2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Lighter, Faster, Smarter

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI will be lighter, more powerful and faster than the current model.

The seventh-generation hot hatch will also be rather clever when it appears towards the end of 2012.

So let’s take a look at these elements in turn.

Lighter Golf GTI

Thanks to a high-strength body shell, advanced suspension and lighter engines, the new Golf range will be at least 70 kg lighter than the outgoing model.

However, unlike the MK6 GTI which is basically a MK6 Golf with more power, the new MK7 GTI will be rather special compared to the standard models.

VW has a new welding process up its sleeve. That means it can integrate aluminium roofs and other lightweight elements into the GTI bodyshell on the regular Golf production line.

So the total weight loss for the GTI rises to around 100kg.

But that’s not all. The new lightweight Golf will be more agile due to an improved suspension and new steering rack.

Traction should also improve thanks to a new electronically controlled mechanical limited slip differential

And pushing the front wheels forward by 40 mm should make it feel less nose-heavy. Which is good.

More Powerful Golf GTI

GTI Mk6 produces 208bhp and 207 torques.

The new model will have more power but don’t expect it to rise beyond 230bhp.

But thanks to Audi’s ValveLift system, torque should soar to around 260 lb ft. Added to the drop in weight, the increase in performance should be significant.

Faster Golf GTI

Performance figures have still to be released, so it’s time for a spot of Motoring Spy math.

The current GTI weighs in at 1,414 kg. That gives it a power to weight ratio of 147bhp per tonne and a torque to weight ratio of 146 lb ft per tonne.

Assuming the power output and weight loss figures for the new GTI are accurate, it will boast 175bhp per tonne and 197.9 lb ft per tonne.

That’s quite an increase. The current R can only muster 173bhp per tonne and 167 lb ft per tonne. And it reaches 62 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The new GTI should be quicker still.

Cleverer Golf GTI

The all-new Golf will sit on Volkswagen’s all-new MQB platform which is set to revolutionize car manufacturing around the world.

This new modular transverse architecture, or “Modular Querbaukasten” in German, can cope with any every transverse-front-engined model from the size of a Polo to a Passat

The Audi A3 and VW Golf will be the first of up to 60 cars from across the VW Group (Audi, VW, Skoda, Seat) to be based on the new platform.

So what?

It means greater flexibility, lower production costs and ultimately more competitive prices.

Different vehicles will be able to be produced in the same production lines regardless of length, width or track.

The VW engine family will use a common engine mounting system so that any engine (petrol, diesel, natural gas, hybrid or electric) can be fitted to any car using the MQB platform.

Multi-brand factories will be able to produce cars for VW, Seat, Skoda and Audi on the same line using the same tools.

The ability to “shuffle” production based on demand will allow all VW factories to run as much higher capacity.

According to VW’s chief engineer Ulrich Hackenberg it will cut development and tooling costs by 30%, parts by 20% and manufacturing costs by 30%.

That’s efficiency for you!

Safer Golf GTI

The new MQB platform also features various safety improvements which will become standard features on the Golf Mk7.

For example, the award-winning multi-collision braking system.

In the event of a collision, the vehicle’s computer will automatically brake in order to reduce the chances/severity of a second collision.

Tech Laden Golf GTI

In car technology also improves thanks to Audi’s entertainment system.

That means an 8 inch touchscreen that controls all the car’s hi-fi, navigation, information and connectivity features.

Proximity sensors a la iPod provide even greater control and allow intuitive controls to appear as you move your finger towards the screen.

Forward facing cameras are also on hand to help with features such as auto-breaking, radar cruising and lane discipline.

Performance Diesel Anyone?

Fans of diesel power should also have something to celebrate as the new GTD will also get tougher.

The present MK6 Golf GTD TDI knocks out 170bhp and 258 lb ft of torque.

But thanks to the new family of VW diesels expect that to rise to 190bhp and 280 lb ft.

By the time you factor in the weight loss that should be one hot diesel.

Availability

Although VW have still to confirm when the new Golf will go on sale, Reuters suggest it could be as early as November 2012.

The new Audi A3, which will reach the market during summer 2012, is widely expected to appear first, so late 2012 for the Golf is plausible with the GTI arriving a few months later.

So what’s it to be, the new GTI or the Focus ST? Vote with your opinions now.